PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Sharon Kaplan

The coming year is going to be I especially important for the City of Los Angeles as it seeks to either confirm its residents desires to maintain ourselves as one large world-class city or to divide into two lesser cities, with the hope that it can serve its citizens better with two governments.

The first event of our year, which starts in September, will be a jointly sponsored forum on secession. I personally believe that secession would ultimately diminish the influence, diversity, lifestyle and vibrant culture that make Los Angeles so special. This is not to say that there aren't many areas where we need to be more responsive to residents and improve the confidence that Angelenos have in their government. The LAHq Board will be taking a vote and weighing in on this issue, along with the other civic organizations who have tent their voices to this important issue. Our Governmental Relations Committee will be addressing this topic, along with several others over the next year.

We will be holding some Member Only events - opportunities available only to our members to provide for networking and socializing in smaller venues than our monthly meetings. We will also have two new member breakfasts during the year - the one held last year was very well attended and successful.

Within this newsletter, there is a list of Committees and their Chairs - I encourage you to get involved with a committee if you are not already active. It is the best way to get to know others in the organization, have some fun, and move into leadership positions when they are available.

In our directory this year, we will be listing members' primary area

Please continue on page 4

Executive Director: Sue Reeves

SNAPS OF THE
SHOWCASE
DISPLAYS

0ver 600 enthusiastic luncheon guests viewed 30 real estate displays in the lobby The exhibits provide an overview of projects taking place in the greater L.A. area and are always a popular feature of the Awards Luncheon.